Lebanese soldiers and UNIFIL peacekeepers in Kfar Shuba, South Lebanon, on Aug. 26, 2024. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)
BEIRUT — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in a statement on Monday, said that it was taking measures to "enhance stability and security for the benefit of the local population in southern Lebanon" and support the Lebanese Army's redeployment throughout the area south of the Litani River.
According to the statement, the joint cooperation between UNIFIL and the army "aims to create a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE), not only for peacekeepers, but also for the civilian communities living north and along the Blue Line."
“Over the past week, UNIFIL's Sector West, in close cooperation with the Lebanese Army, carried out a number of field operations to support affected families, facilitate the resumption of economic activities, and accompany the army in essential tasks to support the population,” the statement said.
This statement comes after multiple incidents in recent weeks in which people in plain clothes stopped UNIFIL's patrols in the southern region, in some instances requiring the Lebanese Army to intervene so that the patrol could either continue or return to its base.
UNIFIL listed several activities it carried out in this context:
- Assisted the Lebanese Army in debris removal operations in Tyr Harfa (Sour).
- The Italian battalion accompanied the Lebanese Army throughout the cleanup of debris in Tyr Harfa and ensured the security of the site.
- Helped the army in transporting equipment from a local poultry farm to Sour which "contributing to the resumption of production."
- Accompanied the Lebanese Army in clearing debris and cleaning up a livestock farm site to support economic recovery in Yaroun (Bint Jbeil).
- Ghanaian battalion provided security to ensure the safe movement of civilians during construction work in Boustan (Sour).
- Supported agricultural activities in Ramieh (Bint Jbeil) as its joint patrols with the Lebanese Army carried out plowing, cleaning and planting, allowing farmers to work safely.
- Installed a water pipe in Risha, connecting a damaged house tank to a Lebanese Army pond, which improved water access to local communities.
- Supported the Lebanese Army in carrying out debris removal and excavation of a sanitary pit in Um al-Tout, which improved the health situation in the area.
- Provided security to farmers as they worked in the fields of Salha and Ramieh (Bint Jbeil).
- Supported the Lebanese Army in documenting the damage to a vandalized and destroyed school and provided protection during inspections.
"These activities reflect the commitment of UNIFIL's Sector West and the Lebanese army to improve the living conditions of the local population and contribute to the stabilization of the area. By working side by side, UNIFIL and the Lebanese army emphasize their essential role in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and strengthening trust between communities and the local population," the statement said.
Established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces following their invasion of Lebanon, UNIFIL is stationed in the south of the country. Tensions often arise between its patrols and local residents, who are predominantly Hezbollah supporters.
U.N. resolution 1701 refers to the resolution that ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and served as the framework for the cease-fire agreement between these two sides that came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024. This resolution significantly expanded UNIFIL's role and defined the framework of its action. Article 12 mentions that the "Lebanese government ... authorizes UNIFIL to take all necessary measures in the areas where its forces are deployed."